4J Educator
November 2023, Volume 1
Good evening everyone,
First, I wanted to take time during my comments to respond to recently expressed concerns regarding changes made in our efforts to re-organize certain functions of the district. Specifically, strong feelings were shared from staff and members of the community about the changes to the district’s Equity Department. In speaking with folks after hearing those comments, it became clear to me the changes we made left some to question, if not fear, we were possibly turning our back on the equity work that needs to be done in all aspects of this district. For that, I offer a sincere and unconditional apology. Most importantly, I want to state that I hear you when you say those changes need to be re-visited; I hear you when you state that the district’s commitment to equity should not be muted in any way; and I hear you when you say you feel those changes resulted in a less than full-throated commitment to equity in our district. I want to be clear that turning our backs on the equity work before us was not my intention. I also want to be clear that my intentions are less important than the impact our changes have had on members of the school district community.
I have heard one should never judge the value of an apology the moment it is given. To that end, over the coming weeks district leadership will be inviting interested folks to conversations about how to best structure our efforts so that we are more effective in our pursuit of educational equity and that those structures are clearly visible while at the same time the bedrock of all we do. I welcome broad voices from the district and the community to help us grapple with the complexities of re-imaging how a school district can best serve its community and how to ensure the entire organization is oriented with the right focus in mind.
Community is not dependent upon universal agreement or acquiescence. Instead, community is dependent upon the willingness to share dissenting opinion and to take those opinions into account when determining how to move forward from points of disagreement. For that, I wish to thank those who took the time to share their thoughts on what is best for the students, families and staff of this district. In return, I offer my commitment to re-visiting what is not working for those same students, families and staff until we find the most promising path forward.
Clearing the Air at Our Schools
With the recent passage of a no vehicle idling policy by our school board, we are advancing our commitment to reducing environmental pollutants for the safety of our students, staff and community at large.
What does this mean? Drivers of school buses as well as personal and delivery vehicles need to turn off their vehicles engine when waiting to drop off or pick up students or while making deliveries. During extreme weather, we are encouraging families to arrive close enough to the start and end times so that idling will not be necessary. The district will post signs in loading and unloading areas to alert drivers about the new policy.
This action may seem small, but it can make a big difference in reducing student and staff exposure to air pollution at our schools. Thank you for your support in helping spread the word about this important new policy!
The students were joined by district leaders and industry partners in 4J’s Future Build program for the housewarming at the new residence off Northwest Expressway on Wednesday, November 1. Over the last two years, more than two dozen 4J students helped build the 1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom home on a lot that 4J purchased for Future Build. The program provides students on-site job training and a boost in helping them land a good-paying position in the construction trades after graduation, while providing needed low income housing in the community.
Joel Delgadillo, who worked on the home last year as a senior at North Eugene High, said it was rewarding that his labor has helped a family in the community. “You take into consideration that I had a little part in that or I built this,” he said. “It’s nice knowing that someone else is going to enjoy it now.”
"Where's Waldo?" Walking Challenge is Easy to Find
Dig out those red and white stripes, pop on your beret and join in the fun during the next Walker Tracker team challenge that starts Sunday, November 12.
Grab your co-workers and have your team join the "Where's Waldo?" challenge in the Walker Tracker app. This challenge, which runs through Saturday, November 18, is for all 4J employees so make sure to invite everybody in your building to join. The walking challenge program is funded by an OEA Choice Trust wellness grant.
Three teams can each win a $300 prize. How does a team win, you ask:
- Post the most "Where's Waldo?"-themed pictures to the Walker Tracker app. Teams will receive a PDF of the Waldo you can add to your pics. Bonus points will be awarded for team members dressed as Waldo in the pictures.
- Sign up the most new members to your team.
- Walk the most steps
Super Insights: New Podcast Episode Released
The sixth episode of Super Insights, our podcast featuring Superintendent Andy Dey, dropped today.
The new episode focuses on 4J's NATIVES program. NATIVES, which stands for Native Americans Towards Improved Values in Education and Society, provides tutoring, mentorship and culturally relevant activities for 4J students who are tribal members.
Have questions for the superintendent? Submit your questions, and he will answer those questions in a future episode. In addition, we welcome topic suggestions for future episodes.
